THE CENTRAL SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL UNIT

(By Laws)

1. Mission statement
The council shall provide a forum for parents, educators, students and the community
to actively participate to improve students performance and to enhance the
accountability of the education system at the Central School, Dubai. Our goal is to
increase awareness and communication to support the learning environment and the
students well being.

2. Objectives
Encourage participation of all parents, educators, students and community
members.
To organize events to promote school spirit and enrich the learning environment
of the school.
To create and maintain open lines of communication with all parts of the school
community.
To identify priorities, create a suitable action plan and make recommendations to
the governing body.

3. Code of Ethics
Be guided by our purpose, goals and objectives
Respect the schools guiding principles
Protect the rights and interests of all individuals of the school community
Consider the best interest of all students, staff, administration and community
Maintain confidentiality
Promote high standards of ethical practice
Encourage a positive atmosphere where individual contributions are encouraged
and valued
Accept accountability for decisions
Use appropriate communication channels when questions or concerns arise
Promote positive attitude towards public education
Respect the rights of students and council members

4. Membership
The council shall be composed of the following people:
Maximum 30 elected parents/ guardians (Parents / guardians must form the
majority of the council)
Principal/ Director/ HOS/ Supervisors.
One (1) teacher who is employed at the Central School, Dubai other than
Principal, Director, HOS & Supervisors.
One (1) non teaching staff (if desired)
5. Election of Member
A person is qualified to be a parent member of the council and vote in an election
if he/she is a parent/guardian of a pupil enrolled in the school
A person elected or appointed as a member of the council holds office from the
date elected/appointed until the elections are held in the next school year. Notice
of intent to remain on the Council shall be given to the chair by June.
The council shall elect a Chair and a Secretary. All officers must be a parent
members of the council.
The teaching staff of the school shall elect/appoint one representative.

6. Vacancies
A vacancy in the membership of a school council shall be filled by appointment by
the principal.
If a member of council is absent without leave for more than 50% of the
scheduled meeting in one year, council may declare the members seat vacant.

7. Remuneration
A person shall not receive any remuneration for serving as a member or officer of
the council.
If a council member was asked to purchase an item for the council to be
reimbursed, that person must obtain a check/transfer requisition form from the
school or council chair to be submitted to the school with the receipt of purchase.

8. Meetings
The council may meet every two months during the school year, at the minimum
of four (4) times per year.
A meeting of the council cannot be held unless;
A. A majority of the current members of the council are present.
B. A majority of the members present are parent members.
All meetings of the council shall be open and accessible to the public.
The Principal, on behalf of the council, will give return notice of the dates, times
and locations of the meetings of the council to every parent of the pupil enrolled
in the school.
The date of the first council meeting shall be held during the first 60 days of each
school year, on a date that is fixed by the chair of the council after consulting the
principal. At the end of each meeting the date, time and location of each
subsequent meeting will be set.
Annual meeting shall be held before the end of the school year (March) where the
annual report will be made available to all parents.

9. Subcommittees
The need for subcommittee(s) will be determined by the council (i.e: special
events, fundraising, etc.)
Consists of a minimum of (2) people, one being an elected member of the council.
All subcommittees will present and update at each council meeting.
Subcommittees are open to the public.
 Council must approve all recommendations brought forth by the
subcommittees(s).

10. Voting
All members of the council shall have a vote with the exception of: the Principal
and Vice Principal.
Voting will be done by a show of hands, unless the need arises or a secret ballot is
requested.
If a council member is unavailable to attend a meeting the member is allowed to
express his/her opinion/vote by proxy through an email directed to the council
chair prior to the meeting.
Ballot shall be counted by the principal and teaching staff member.
The result of the vote, approved or not approved will be presented immediately
following the vote.
Decision making is done by majority rule.

11. Chair shall:

Be elected by the council at the first meeting of the school year.
Follow the roles of council members.
Call council meetings.
Prepare the meeting agendas in consultation with Principal one (1) week prior to
the meeting.
Ensure that there is regular communication with the council and school
community.
Ensure meeting minutes are recorded and maintained.
Ensure that topics are relevant and dealt with appropriately.
Consult with school Principal and Governing board.
A member of the Governing board.

12. Secretary shall:

Be elected by the council at the first meeting of the school year.
Follow the roles of council members.
Record, distribute and maintain council minutes, including attendance.
Copies of the minutes shall be given to the chair and Principal within ten (10) days
of the meeting.
Prepare other council documents as required.
A member of the Governing board.
The secretary of the council shall thus be elected the president for the academic
year.

13. Principal shall:

Facilitate in the establishment of the council and assist in its operation.
Support and promote council activities.
Seek input from the council in areas in which the council has responsibilities.
Act as a resource in laws, regulations, Board Policy and collective agreements.
Communicate with Chair as required.
 Ensure that copies of minutes, resolutions and other records are available in the
school.

14. Conflict Resolution

Every council member will be given an opportunity to express his/her opinion
about the issue of dispute.
Speakers to an issue will maintain a calm and respectful tone at all times.
Speakers will be able to speak without disruption to the discretion of the chair.
The chair is to clarify statements made, to identify common ground and set out
joint interests of all members. If no common ground can be identified, the chair
will seek preferences from all members.

15. Removal of a Member

A council member maybe removed temporarily or permanently due to a conflict
within the council.
If a council member is failing to follow the code of ethics, the chair shall request
that the member(s) of council participate in a special meeting, the purpose of
which will be to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to dispute. Such a
meeting will be a private meeting, involving the member, chair, Principal and a
neutral party and shall not be construed as a meeting of the council.
If a member continues to fail by the code of ethics or if their position is
detrimental to the welfare and positive operation of the council, he/she maybe
removed by majority vote, done by secret ballot.
Only the result of the vote will be announced.

16. Amendment of Constitution & By-laws

The articles of this constitution and By-laws are governed by Provincial Board
Policy. There may be situations where amendments are required. Any such
amendments shall be made, as required, then announced and ratified at the March
Annual Meeting.
Proposed changes must be made in writing to the council up to one month prior
to the Annual Meeting.
The chair will include the proposed changes in an agenda of the Annual Meeting.
Constitutional amendments require a 2/3 majority vote of council.
Outcome to be documented in meeting minutes.

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